Kobe Bryant has been one of the few NBA players that is being closely watched for his number of technical fouls as of late and once again, he got a technical during a game against the San Antonio Spurs.
While cameras tend to focus on the player’s faces during a major foul, Kobe Bryant was seen looking at the ref saying “fu**ing fa**ot”.
Needless to say, Kobe Bryant was soon hot on the hot seat as many felt offended by the comment. Bryant has released the following statement:
“What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone.â€
Meanwhile NBA commissioner David Stern fined Bryant $100,000 for the comment. Stern said, “Kobe Bryant’s comment during last night’s game was offensive and inexcusable. While I’m fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated. Accordingly, I have fined Kobe $100,000. Kobe and everyone associated with the NBA know that insensitive or derogatory comments are not acceptable and have no place in our game or society.”